Jeffrey Luce

Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you're a fan of coffee, you likely already know that different kinds of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world, making up 75% of all global coffee beans manchester beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and the processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of bulk coffee beans soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee roasters and shops insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is generally utilized to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain the quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium beans from a source you trust. The best method to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other types of Good Coffee Beans beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends made at home. They are also lighter in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They're often used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta decaf beans coffee are smaller and rounder but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

After having learned about the four most popular types of brew, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.